Haiduk Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haiduk Peak |
|
|---|---|
 Haiduk Peak
Location in Alberta
Haiduk Peak
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,920 m (9,580 ft) |
| Prominence | 230 m (750 ft) |
| Parent peak | Scarab Peak |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta Mountains of British Columbia |
| Geography | |
| Country | Canada |
| Parent range | Ball Range |
| Topo map | NTS 82O/04 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1934 |
| Easiest route | rock climb (?) |
Haiduk Peak is a tall mountain peak located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It stands at 9,540 feet (2,920 meters) high! This peak sits right on the Continental Divide, which is like a giant imaginary line that separates which way water flows across a continent. On one side, water flows towards the Pacific Ocean, and on the other, it flows towards the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.
Haiduk Peak is special because it's on the border of two famous national parks: Banff National Park in Alberta and Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. It's also found at the very beginning of a stream called Haiduk Creek.
The mountain got its name in 1917. It's probably named after the Haiduks, who were groups of people in the Balkans (a region in Southeast Europe) known for being brave and sometimes rebellious. The name "Haiduk Peak" was officially adopted on December 31, 1928.
Contents
What is a Mountain Peak?
A mountain peak is the highest point of a mountain or a ridge. Think of it as the very top of a mountain. Haiduk Peak is part of the larger Ball Range of mountains. It's also near another peak called Scarab Peak.
Where is Haiduk Peak Located?
Haiduk Peak is found in the western part of Canada. It sits exactly on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. This border runs right along the Continental Divide.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide is a very important geographical feature. It's a high ridge of land that separates the flow of water. Rain and snow that fall on one side of the Divide will eventually flow into one ocean. Water that falls on the other side will flow into a different ocean. For Haiduk Peak, water on its eastern side flows towards the Atlantic Ocean, while water on its western side flows towards the Pacific Ocean.
National Parks Around Haiduk Peak
Haiduk Peak is surrounded by amazing nature. It's located within two of Canada's most famous national parks:
- Banff National Park: This park is in Alberta and is known for its stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
- Kootenay National Park: This park is in British Columbia and features deep valleys, hot springs, and diverse ecosystems.
Being in these parks means Haiduk Peak is in a protected area. This helps keep its natural beauty safe for everyone to enjoy.
How Haiduk Peak Got Its Name
The name "Haiduk Peak" has an interesting history. It was chosen in 1917.
The Haiduks of the Balkans
The mountain was likely named after the Haiduks. These were groups of people, often seen as rebels or freedom fighters, who lived in the Balkans region of Southeast Europe during the time of the Ottoman Empire. They were known for their bravery and for fighting against foreign rule. The name "Haiduk" itself means something like "brigand" or "outlaw," but it also carried a sense of heroism for many people. The official name "Haiduk Peak" was formally accepted on December 31, 1928.
Exploring the Area
While climbing Haiduk Peak is a challenge, the surrounding national parks offer many ways to experience the mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and learning about the unique plants and animals that live in this part of the Canadian Rockies. The first recorded climb of Haiduk Peak happened in 1934, and the easiest way to reach the top is thought to be by rock climbing.
